Recruitment

About Polar Routes

Polar Routes is a tour operator that specialises in expedition cruises to the Polar Regions and beyond. We take great pride in our unrivalled knowledge of the ships, itineraries and these wonderful destinations. We understand the importance of our client’s investment and that, for many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. All the ships and operators in our programme have been hand-selected by us to ensure they offer the very best quality and value. All monies entrusted are protected by ATOL and ABTOT, for our client's complete peace of mind.

Our Story

Polar Routes was introduced in 2016 in response to clients travelling to Antarctica with our sister company, Latin Routes, and looking to travel to other areas of the world in a similar way. The initial growth of the company was mainly organic, but we embarked on an exciting relaunch in September 2018 with significant investment in the website, introduction of a dedicated polar sales person and enhanced budgets.

As you can imagine there is a passionate, entrepreneurial spirit in everything we do. We are creative in our thinking and always having to look at ways we can do things differently to stand out amongst our competition. We are a company with big ambitions for the future and are looking for someone passionate to be part of our growing business. 

Use the tabs to explore what roles we currently have at Polar Routes. You will find the application details at the bottom.

Polar Routes Travel Specialist

As a Polar Routes Travel Specialist, you are the face of the company. The role is a varied one, but involves looking after our client’s right from their initial enquiry, up until they return from their holiday. You will be the single point of contact for each of your client’s travel needs. It is vital you are passionate about the polar regions, expedition cruises and adventure travel. You will be required to continually learn about the latest products, news and information. You will need to demonstrate first class customer service, excellent sales skills, quick learning, passion and ambition.

Key Responsibilities

• Creation and sale of expedition cruises, predominantly to the polar regions – Arctic and Antarctica,
• Creation and sale of high quality, tailormade arrangements to compliment the cruise including flights, accommodation and land packages.
• Make the most of every single genuine sales enquiry received
• Exceed sales targets and KPI’s set by the company,
• Ensure the products sold, and the supporting information, is of the highest standard.
• Achieve exceptional levels of service at all times.
• Interacting with our clients / agent partners, mostly over the telephone - with some face to face meetings, either in the office or at events.
• Continual training to ensure that you remain a true Travel Specialist with up to date commercial knowledge and understanding of cruises / operators / hotels / flights & infrastructure.
• A total commitment to customer service. It's your goal to ensure we exceed all client’s expectations.
• Flexibility to meet the needs of the developing business.

About You

The number 1 thing we look for is energy and enthusiasm. We want someone who will embrace what we are trying to achieve as a company and work hard to help us get there. You will find an ideal candidate list below, but every point is not essential, as finding the right person is most important.

Travel Specialist

• At least 18 months experience in a target-based cruise sales role
• Experience of the expedition cruise market
• Experience of, or demonstratable interest in, expedition cruises and adventure travel
• A strong geographical awareness of the Polar Regions – Arctic and Antarctica
• Clear enthusiasm and passion for Travel
• A good standard of education, ideally to degree level,
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Proactivity and a good level of problem-solving ability
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Excellent attention to detail
• Pride in the company and confidence in themselves

The Details

The role will be based at our head office in Kingston Upon Thames, however you will also need to be flexible to work at any location across London (zones 1 - 6) on occasion. The hours are 42.5 per week, predominantly Monday-Saturday. Shifts will either be 9am – 5:30pm or 10:30am - 7pm on a roster pattern, with 45 minutes for lunch. There is a requirement to work additional ad-hoc Sundays, Evenings and public holidays, in order to respond to enquiries and close bookings, plus attendance at selected travel shows throughout the year. Significant overtime will be given back in lieu.

In return you will receive a competitive basic salary (depending on experience) and a generous commission on your sales. Realistic OTE for the first year would be in excess of £40k, however, all commissions are uncapped, offering an unlimited earning potential. Employees will also receive holiday, a generous company discount for personal trips, as well as the opportunity for company fam trips to our destinations.

There is a fun, vibrant and sociable atmosphere in our office and staff partake in a number of company schemes including incentives, team building exercises, charity fundraising and Beer/Cider Fridge Fridays. Our office is located within a 5-minute walk of the many shops, bars and restaurants of Kingston Town Centre.

Apply

Please send us a cover letter along with you CV. In your cover letter please introduce yourself, your skills and why you would like to apply for the role. 

Email your application to martin.johnson@polarroutes.co.uk

NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES

Polar Routes / Latin Routes Marketing Mangager

As a our Marketing Manager, you will have a direct impact on the marketing efforts of the company. We are looking for an individual with bright ideas, lots of creativity, good commercial awareness and the ability to find ways to make Latin Routes & Polar Routes stand out amongst our competitors. This is a full-on role with a large part to play in the development of the company in existing and new markets. You will need to demonstrate strong organisational skills, good eye for design and branding, great attention to detail, perseverance and drive to see our marketing efforts through to completion. It is vital you are passionate about Latin America and the polar regions, as everything you do in the role, will be related to this area of the world!

Key Responsibilities

Direct & Trade Marketing

To lead and motivate a small marketing team with clearly defined objectives, processes and KPIs and to communicate campaign plans internally and externally.

Plan and implement fully integrated marketing campaigns designed to enhance awareness, promote data capture and/or lead generation, with both direct clients and the travel trade.

Oversee design and publication of all marketing material to support campaigns and activities, including Latin Routes and Polar Routes brochures.

Run and develop our regular marketing activity with clients and agents.

Maintaining branding and corporate identity in all marketing activities

To critically post-evaluate all marketing activity with view to continuously improving ROI and provide meaningful MI reporting

Work with the digital marketing manager to develop and oversee effective implementation of any digital / content marketing efforts

Develop and oversee implementation of a new CRM system. Then actively develop its usage for effective marketing purposes and customer retention.

To manage the company’s marketing budgets, maintaining tight control whilst having flexible dynamics in place to adjust the budgets dependent on growth forecasts

To work with the Product department to develop and nurture relationships with key suppliers to secure marketing and pricing opportunities and optimise supplier subvention of marketing activity

Maintain effective internal communications to ensure that all departments are kept informed of marketing campaigns and objectives.

Work closely with management to develop business strategy, corporate social responsibility and new ideas.

Future Latin Routes Products / Brands

As the company grows your responsibilities may also be applicable to any additional holiday products, sub brands, sister companies or partners that the company creates.

Flexibility

During the development of the business your flexibility is required to take up tasks not listed above, if deemed appropriate and practical by the management or the board. This will be discussed and agreed as and when necessary,

About You

The number 1 thing we look for is energy and enthusiasm. We want someone who will embrace what we are trying to achieve as a company and work hard to help us get there. You will find an ideal candidate list below, but every point is not essential, as finding the right person is most important.

Marketing Manager

• Experience in a previous senior marketing role, with a minimum of 3 year’s marketing experience

• A creative mind with a wealth of ideas for ways to make the company stand out amongst its competitors, in its marketing efforts

• Outgoing personality with the ability to confidently meet and present the company to a wide range of people including suppliers, press, clients and the trade.

• Commercially minded individual, with a drive to help the business grow

• Good eye for design and branding

• Strong organisational and time management skills

• Excellent attention to detail

• Proactivity and a great level of problem-solving ability

• Drive and determination to see marketing efforts through to completion

• A helpful attitude to assisting all members of the team and management

• A good geographical awareness of Latin America and the Polar Regions

• A strong understanding of the products that Latin Routes and Polar Routes offers

• Clear enthusiasm and passion for travel

• Flexibility and adaptability

The Details

The role will be based at our head office in Kingston Upon Thames, however, you will also need to be flexible to work at any location across London (zones 1 - 6) on occasion. The hours are 42.5 per week, predominantly Monday-Friday. Shifts during the week will be 9am – 5:30pm, with 45 minutes for lunch. There may be the occasional requirement to work a shift of 10:30am - 7pm during the week. There may be the occasional requirement to work an additional Saturday, evening, Sunday and public holiday. Time for this is given back in lieu. Marketing Mangers will also need to partake in a minimum of 6 evening networking events throughout the year. 

In return you will receive a competitive basic salary dependant on experience. Employees will also receive 20 days holiday (plus bank holidays) with the option for an additional 5 days, for a holiday deemed of an educational nature. Please note we have a holiday embargo for the first 6 weeks of the calendar year. Additional benefits include free annual travel insurance, pension, a generous company discount for personal trips, as well as the opportunity for company fam trips to our destinations.

There is a fun, vibrant and sociable atmosphere in our office and staff partake in a number of company schemes including incentives, team building exercises, charity fundraising and Beer/Cider Fridge Fridays. Our office is located within a 5-minute walk of the many shops, bars and restaurants of Kingston Town Centre.

Apply

Please send us a cover letter along with you CV. In your cover letter please introduce yourself, your skills and why you would like to apply for the role. 

Email your application to martin.johnson@polarroutes.co.uk

NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES